Combined fuel-valve and switch-lock.



G. BURKHARDT.

COMBINED FUEL VALVE AND SWITCH LOCK.

APPLICATION FILED IIIAII. I5. |916.

L23@ II @SQ Patented Jun@ I9, 1917.

soA

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.- I

' GUsTavn. BUKHARDT, or cHIcAGo, ILLINOIS.

COMBINED FI'VIELLVA'LVE .AND SWITCH-Loox.

To all whoin z't may concern:

Be it known that I, GUsTAvE BUnKHA-RDT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, inj the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combined Fuel- Valves and Switch-Locks, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a combined fuel valve and .switch lock particularly adapted for use in connection with motor-driven vehicles.

Theft and unauthorized use of motordriven vehicles is a common occurrence and has reached such proportions that insurance is refused on certain well-known typesM of vehicles which-are noty readily identified.

'lumerousdevices have been offered to the public whichare designed to prevent this evil', including means for separately locking the fuel supply and electric switch. These' devices, however, -frequently fail, owing to the ease With' which the pipes or wires may be cut and again connected around the valve or switch, and are undesirable owing to the necessity of .manipulating two separate It is an object of my invention to provide a locking valve and operating means therefor so arranged with respect to the fuel .container that fuel can not be obtained eX- cept through the valve which can only be operated by a key of definite configuration.

A further object of my invention is the provision of means for simultaneously controlling the'fuel supply and electricl circuit `of a` motor-driven vehicle and for locking the controlling means whereby unauthorized operation thereof is eifectually prevented.

Other objects and advantages of my in'- vention will be apparent as it is better understood by reference to the following specilication when read in connection with the accompanying drawing, illustrating the pre-l ferred embodiment thereof, in which- Figure 1 is an elevation `partially in sec- Specification of Letters Patent. l Ptented June 19, 191,V Application ined Marchi@ 191e. serial No. 34,269.

d l l means for securing the switch mechanism to the fuel container and preventing access ofthe fuel to the switch;

Fig. 6 is an elevation partially in section of the outlet from the container and the:

on the line Referring to the drawings l indicates a i sultable closed container which may be, forv example, a cylindrical tank. Secured to the under-side of the container 1 in any suitable to receive a member 3 having an opening-4 near the upper end thereof and forming the outlet from the container 1. The member 3 is threaded to receive a coupling 5 whereby,

the pipe 6, leading to the carbureter (not` shown), may be secured in proper relation to the outlet. The member 3 is squared internally at 7 to receive a suitable tool (not shown), whereby the member 3 may be assembled with the member 2', and is provided with a valve seat 8 to receive a hollow valve plug 9 provided with two openings 10 adapted to register with the'opening 4 when the valve plug 9 is rotated.` A pin 11, secured `manner is a member 2 internally threaded di to the valve plug 9, limits the rotation thereof by engagement with shoulders 12 formed .on the member 8 at the upper end thereof. A spring 18, disposed between a washer 14 resting against the upper end of the member 3 and a washer l5 resting against the pin 16 disposed in a suitable opening in the valve plug 9, retainsthe valve Aplug 9 in engagement with the seat 8.

A rod 17 is adjustably connected to the valve plug 9 by means of a pin 18 disposed therethrough and through a suitable opening 19, a plurality of which are provided in the vupper end of thevalve plug 9. The rod 17' extends through the container 1 and a memberl 2O secured,to the container 1 opposite the outlet. A packing nut 21 surrounds the rod 17 and threadedly'engages the member 20, retaining the packing material 22 in place to prevent the escape'of combustible -1naterial about the rod 17. Mounted onthe container 1 above thei member 2O is aswitch base' 23, preferably of`insulating material, which is held against rotary movement by pins 24 on the member 20 engaging any suityable openings in the switch base 23.A A hollow cylindrical bearing member' 25 is secured to the switch base 23 to receive the rod 17 and to support a metallic collar 26 to` which the rotary switch member 27 is secured. The rod 17 is secured to the collar 26 `by a pin 28 extending therethrough.

-Mounted upon vthe switch base 2,3 are a plurality of lclips 29 connected to thebmding posts 30 and 31 to which the Wires 32 and 33leading to the magneto and battery v (not shown); respectively, may be secured.

A plate 34 is mounted on the switch base 23 and may be connected by a Wire 35 to both the magneto and battery. `A clip 36 is supported, by the plate 34 and is adapted to be continually engaged by a knife blade 37 w secured to the rotatable switch member 27 f which,,when1rotated, causes the knife blade v37 to engage either of the clips 29 to close either the magneto or battery circuit or the knife blade 37 may be disposed in neutral` position iii-which position it engages neither of the clips 29, both circuits being then opened. When in neutral position an opening 38`in the knife blade 37 is engaged .by a depressed 'portion 39 on the clip 36 which prevents accidental movement 'of the knife p blade 37.

Supported on the binding post 31 and insulated therefrom by suitable collars 40 is a' bridge 41 having a central opening 42 and openings 43 radiating therefrom. A lock casing 43 is adapted to be secured to the switch base 23 by means of screws 44 lengaging lugs 45 on the switch base 231and .base 23, the arms 50 passing through the radial openings 43 to-,a position beneath the bridge 41, so that when the lock cylinder is turned the arms `50 engage the under-side of the bridge 4l and effectually prevent re- .moval of the lock casing 43 and the lock cylinder 46 until the lock cylinder 46 has again been turned to the predetermined position.

The operation of my combined fuel valve and switch lock will be readily understood from the following brief description.. The parts being assembled in the -positions indicated yin Fig. 1, when the lock cylinder 46 is disposed in neutral position, the openings 10 .in the valve plug 9 will beI disposed as indicated in Fig. 8 out of register with the opening 4 and hence flow ofv fuel from the container 1 is prevented. The knife blade 37 29 and consequently flow of current from -either the battery orfmagneto is prevented.

In this position the armsO on the lock cylinder 46 are engaged beneath the bridge 41 out of register with the openings 43 and hence the lock casing 43 and the lock cylinder, 46 can not be removed lfrom the switch v base 23 even though the screws 44 are removed. Inasmuch as the valve plug 9 is within the'container 1 it can not be operated other than through the medium of the key 47 nor can the pipe 6 be cut and reconnected about the valve Sas is possible with locking valves disposed in the fuel pipe at points remote from the fuel container.

lAccess to the switch is likewise prevented without the aid of the ,keyf 47 and hence the Vehicle can not be moved under its power.

To permitthe flow 0f fuel from the container l andsimultaneouslyclose either the battery or magnetocircuit it is necessary merely to insert the'key 47 and rotate the lock cylinder 4'6 in either direction until one or the other of the openings 10 in the n valve plug 9 registers with the opening 4 in the member 3 and the knife blade 37 en gages Vone or the other of the clips 29. The closing of the circuit occurs simultaneously with the opening of the fuel Voutlet and it will be noted that one key -serves to control both the fuel valve and the switch It will be readily understood from the l foregoing that I have perfected a locking -device for motor-driven vehicles lwhich'will may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,

or sacricing any' of its material advantages, the forms '.hereinbefore described being merely preferred embodiments thereof.

I claim:

`1. In a device of the character described,- thecOmbination o f a closed fuel container, an outlet therefrom, rotatable ymeans held against longitudinal movement in said outlet to control the flow of fuel from said container, rigid means connected t'o said ro# tatable means and extending through said container, whereby said. rotatable means may be actuated to openvand close said outlet, and key-controlled means operatively connected to said rigid means to prevent rotation of said rotatable means when said outlet is closed.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination of a closed fuel container, an outlet therefrom, rotatable means held against longitudinal movement in said outlet to control the flowl of fuel from said container, .rigid e means connected to said rotatable means, and extending through said container opposite s'aid outlet and opagainst longitudinal movement in said outsaid container whereby .said rotatable means may be actuatedk to open and-close said outlet, arotatable cylinder secured to said container opposite said outlet and operatively connected Itofsaid rigid means,`and'A key-controlled means to l-normallyl `prevent rotation' of said cylinder.

3.. In a deviceof the character described,

the combination of a closed fuel container,-

an outlet therefrom, rotatable means held against longitudinal movement in said outlet to control the How of fuel from said conftainer, a rod connected to said rotatable means and extending `dianietrically through said container, whereby saidV rotatable means' may be actuated to open and close said outlet, and a 'cylinder lock secured to eratively connected to said rod.

' 4. In a device of the character described,

the combination of a closed fuel container, an outlet therefrom, rotatable means held let to control the flow of fuel from ysaid convso tainer, a rod connected to said rotatable means` and extending through said container,5 whereby said rotatable means may .be actuated to`open and close said outlet, a member secured to saidwcontainer opposite said outlet, a cylinder lock operatively connectedto' said rod, andfmeans for securing said lock to said member.

`5. In adeviceof the character described,

the combination cfa closed fuel container,-

an outlet therefrom, la rotatable valve plug in said outlet to control the flow of fuele from said container, arod connectedto said valve plug and extending through said container, whereby said valve plug may be rotated to'open and close said outlet, a

member ysecured to said lcontainer opposite' said outlet, a rotatable lock cylinder operatively connected to said rod, key-controlled means to normally prevent rotation of said cylinder, and means for, securing saidcylinder tosaid member and for preventing removal of said cylinder except when the latter is inv a predetermined angular position. n

6. In a device of the character described, the combination of a closed fuel container, an outlet therefrom, a' valve seat in said outlet, a valve plug held against longitudinal movement in said valve seat, means .trolled means to prevent rotation of said rotatable means when said outlet is closed. 7. In a device of the character described,

the combination of a closed fuel container, Y

an outlet therefrom, a valve seat in said outlet,la rotatable valve plug held againstl longitudinal movement in said valve seat, means within said container to resiliently maintain said valve plug. against said seat, a rod securedto said valve plug and'extending diametrically' through said container,

a vrotatable cylinder secured to said'` container opposite saidv outlet and operativelyv connected to said rod, and vkey-controlledy means to normally prevent rotation of said cylinder.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination of a closed fuel container,

lan outlet therefrom, a threaded bushing in 'an outlet therefrom, a threaded bushing/in dsaid outlet, a valve comprising a member threaded externally at one end to engage said bushing and, at the other end to receive a coupling and provided with an internal valve seat, a hollow valve plug engaging said seat and openings in said member and valve plug adapted to register as said valve plug v is rotated, and means extending through said container to the side thereof opposite said outlet, whereby said valve plug may be rotated to open and'close said outlet.

10. In a device of the character described, the combination of a closed fuel container, an

outlet therefrom, a threaded bushing in said outlet, a valve comprising amember threaded externally at one endto engage said bushing andv at the other end to receive a coupling l and provided with an internal valve seat, a

within vsaid' container to resiliently main- I tain said valve plug against said seat, a

rod securedto said valve plug and extendt ing diametrically through said container,

t rotatable means secured to said rodat the side of said container opposite= said outlet, whereby said valve plug may be rotated to 'open and close' said outlet, andA` keyfc'on'- hollowvalve plug engaging said seat and openings in said member and valve plug adapted to register as said valve plug is rotated, means extending` through said con-v tainer to the side thereofopposite said outlet, whereby said valveplug may be rotated to open' and close said outlet, and key-con- Y 1l. In a device of the character described, the combination of a closed fuel container, an outlet therefrom, rotatable means held against longitudinal movement for controlling said' outlet, a rigid member connected to said outlet-controlling means and extending through said container, circuit-control# ,ling means connectedlto said member, means trolled :meansI to normally .prevent rotation y y vof said valve plug.

:tor' simultaneously actuating said outlet and circuit-controlling means, and key-controlled means to normally lock said actuating means. '12. ln'a device of thecharacter described, the combination of a closed fuel container, an 'outlet therefrom, means for controlling said outlet, including aivalve seat and a rotatable valve plug held against longitudinal movement in saidseat, a member connected tosaid valve'plug and extending diametrically through said container, circuit-controlling means'connected to said member at the side of said container opposite said outlet,

a rotatable lock cylinder secured to said container and connected to said member, and key-controlled means to normally prevent rotation of said lock cylinder.

13. ln a device of the character described, thecombination of a closed fuel container, v an outlet therefrom, means for controlling said outlet, including a valve seat and a rotatable valve plug held against longitudinal movement insaid seat, a memberconnected to said valvev plug and extending diametrically through said container, circuit-controlling means at the side of said container opposite ysaid outlet including a rotatable' switch element secured to said member and iixed switch elements adapted to be engaged by said rotatable element, and means for simultaneously actuating said valve plug Yand rotatable switch element including ay key-controlled lock cylinder.

14.' lna device of he character described,

the combination 'of' a closed fuel; container, an outlet therefrom, means for 'controlling said outlet including a valve seat and a rotatable valve plug held `against ylongitudinal movement in said seat, a member connected to said valve plug and extending diametrip cally through said container, circuit-control,

ling means at the side of said container op-v posite said outlet including a rotatable switch element secured to said .member and lfixed switch elements adapted tobe engaged by said rotatable element, means to prevent accessof the fuel in saidL container to said circuit-controlling means, and means for `simultaneously lactuating said valve plug rotatable switch element including a key-controlled lockcylinder.

'15. En a device of the character described, the combination of a closed fuel container, an. outlet therefrom, means for controlling said outlet including a valve seat and a rotatable valve plug engaging Vsaid seat, a rod .connected to said valve plug and extending sition.

through said container, circuit controlling means secured to the side of said container opposite said outlet including a base and cooperating switch elements one of which is secured to said rod, a lock casing', a keycontrolled rotatable lock cylinder supported by said casing and. operatively connected to said rod, and means on said base coperating with said lock cylinder to prevent removal of ysaid lock casing'except when said lock cylinder is disposed in a predetermined angular position.

16. In a device of the character described, ythe combination of a tank, an outlet therefrom, a valve seat in said outlet, a valve plug coperating therewith, a lock cylinder secured-'to the' opposite side of said tank,

means extending through said tank to con- 7:'

nect said lock cylinder4 andl valve plug,fand means on vsaid tank coperating with a por-I l tion of said lock cylinder to prevent removal of the latter except wheny said lock cylinder is disposed in `a predetermined 17. In a device of thecharacter described, the combination of a tank, an'outlet therefrom, aval've seat-in said outlet, a valveplug coperating therewith, a lock secured to the T opposite side of said tank comprising a casing, a rotatable cylinder and key-controlled means to normally preventrotation thereof, -means extending through said tank to operatively `connect said kcylinder and from, a valve seat 'in saidoutletyavalvm plug coperating with saidseat, a lock mounted in the opposite side of said tank comprising acasing, a rotatable cylinder.

therem and key-controlled means to normally prevent rotation thereof, a rod extending through said tank to operatively con-v Anect said cylinder and valve plug, a bridge secured toy said tank, and means onfsaid cyly inder coperating with said bridge to pre-A` vent removal of said cylinder except when the latter is disposed-in'. a 'predetermined angular position. f

GUSTAVE BURKHARDT.

-Witnessesz p WM. O. BELT, M. A. Kumm.-

angular po- 80 95.' device of thecharacter described, 

